The Homeless Veterans Project

For the past three years, it has been my honor to attend and help emcee the fundraiser for The Homeless Veterans Project, held once again this year at the Classic Pub. We get together and enjoy great live music from local musicians like Joe Wright and Eric Brodberg and do a silent auction and raffle off some terrific prizes that are donated by various area companies. There's food and fun and it all helps out this wonderful cause that helps our homeless veterans.

The Homeless Veterans Project is community of people who, each year for past six years, hold a Christmas party for homeless veterans. It started in 2009 here in Lansing with Joe and Chris Wright, and about eight of their friends. They were able to raise $600 to buy the veterans gifts, as well as put on small pot luck style dinner for them. The first two years the dinner was held at the local Volunteers of America shelter at 400 N. Larch St.

As the event grew bigger, it was moved to the Immanuel Community Reformed Church on Delta River Drive. Over the years the community has grown from just a few people to hundreds of people all over the country who donate time and resources each year to make sure that our veterans can enjoy a family style Christmas.

In 2011 the event began to include the veterans housed at the Niles, Michigan VOA shelter. In 2013 the Homeless Veterans Project expanded out to Los Angeles, California, serving almost 200 homeless and displaced veterans living on Skid Row. As the cause drew more and more attention, the amount of donations increased beyond what was needed for a simple Christmas dinner and gift giving celebration. With the surplus the HVP has been able to leverage the funds raised to apply for grants to renovate and improve the living conditions at two shelters, provide new and much needed appliances, computers, printers, IT services, and many other items and services that have helped hundreds of veterans transition from homelessness to becoming self sufficient.

Last year the HVP had their most successful year to date, raising over $22,000 in the Lansing area alone, but they still have a long way to go to help our homeless veterans. Of course, your donation would be greatly appreciated.

You can donate online right now at www.youcaring.com/vetparty. All donations go right to the Volunteers of America, and are tax deductible. Please help if you can, and thank you.